Dear Reader,

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It is an honor and a privilege for me to be able to live in Southern Southeast Alaska for over 60 years, and more recently, to serve as a Representative in the Alaska House since 2014. District 1 is comprised of Coffman Cove, Hyder, Ketchikan, Loring, Metlakatla, Meyers Chuck, Saxman, Whale Pass, and Wrangell, and it is my job to ensure that our government is “of, by, and for the people.”

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Ketchikan has been an extraordinary place for me to grow up and a wonderful place for my wife Lori and me to raise our children. I graduated from Kayhi in 1976, left briefly to attend college and receive Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Washington and Wisconsin, and returned to Alaska to build my home and raise my family.

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Since returning, I’ve worked as a fisherman, house painter, and tour guide, but my primary career has been in the field of education. For over 30 years, I taught AP Macro Economics, AP U.S. History, and J.A. Economics at Ketchikan High School. During that time, I also coached Kayhi’s cross-country and drama-debate-forensics (DDF) teams. I have been honored to receive accomplishments in a career that I loved:

• VFW Teacher of the Year: In recognition of civic responsibility, flag etiquette, and patriotism.

• American Legion Teacher of the Year (2012-2013)

 

In the Legislature, I serve as the Vice-Chair of the House Finance Committee and was a member of the FY23 Budget Conference Committee. I am the Chair of the Education, Environmental Conservation, and Transportation finance subcommittees. I am also a member of the Special Committees for Fisheries and for Tribal Affairs. In the past, I also served as the Chair of the Fish and Game finance subcommittee, on the House Community & Regional Affairs and the House Transportation committees, and on the Special Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, & Arctic Policy.

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I strive to be an independent, intelligent, responsible, and collaborative voice for all of District 1.
 

There is a very real sense of community in our region that is becoming a rarity in our country as time progresses. As District 1 Representative, it has been a pleasure getting to know the people of southern Southeast Alaska even better. Like Ketchikan and Saxman, anyone who lives in the communities of Coffman Cove, Hyder, Loring, Metlakatla, Whale Pass, or Wrangell understands and can attest to the outpouring of love and support from people of all religious, social, economic, and political backgrounds.

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Getting re-elected to any political office is an undertaking that can only be achieved by ordinary citizens with the gumption and initiative to work hard while enlisting the help of friends and supporters. For this I thank you. As I file once again as a non-partisan independent for election to the Alaska State House of Representatives, I publicly reaffirm my pledge to listen first and represent the viewpoints of the residents of District 1. My “party” is the good people of Ketchikan, Saxman, Wrangell, Metlakatla, Coffman Cove, Whale Pass, Hyder, and Loring, Alaska.

 

Together, we form a Government by the people, for the people, and that remains a simple, but revolutionary concept. I am working for YOU!

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Thank you,

Dan Ortiz